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Jim Werner Obituary
Jim Werner passed away unexpectedly on June 14 at the age of 72 while maintaining his property, just as he had done with care and pride for the past 45+ years. He is survived by his wife of nearly 53 years, Patsy; his son Nathan (wife Paige) and two grandsons, Keegan and Wyatt; and his daughter Abby Jane (husband Ron) and three grandchildren, Mazey, Max, and Clara. He is also survived by all seven of his siblings.
Known for his ever-present smile, kind heart, and boundless sense of adventure. He was a storyteller at heart who never ran out of tales to tell or places to explore. Whether skiing fresh powder, hiking mountain trails, casting a line in quiet waters, or planning his next great adventure, he found joy and peace in the natural world and shared it generously with everyone around him.
He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the joy of knowing him.
A celebration of Jim's life will take place on July 23, 2025 at Fair Harbor Marina in Grapeview, WA from 1:00-5:00 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Dan Nelson
July 23, 2025
I was privileged to work alongside Jimmy at ORCAA for many years. He was a great colleague and helped me learn the details of the air quality work we do. His impact on ORCAA and the people he worked with will be felt for decades if not longer - for instance, his foundational work at Cheeka Peak Observatory (see photo) is respected internationally.
Most of all, though, I'll miss our chats about hiking and skiing. We never did ski together, but we shredded the same mountains throughout the west and enjoyed many of the same wild areas. When I hit those trails and ski those slopes we talked about over the years, he will be right there with me.
Dan
July 16, 2025
You will never be forgotten, I loved you like a brother
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Dan&Mary
July 16, 2025
I can´t explain the feeling of loss I have felt for over a month now. Jimmy was truly a great friend, neighbor, and all I try to do is remember all the good times and adventures we shared together. I will always love and cherish these times, and please know that I will look forward to giving you a big hug when my time comes and we can be together again.
Marci McGrath and Chris Smith
July 11, 2025
Chris and I were so saddened to learn of Jimmy's death. It doesn't seem possible that someone so vibrant could just be gone. But the memory of him, with his endless energy and open heart, will keep you strong and bring you peace.
We love you, Patsy, and our Washington family.
Deepest sympathy from Marci McGrath and Chris Smith (New Orleans)
Joe Mercado
July 1, 2025
...it´s hard to mark "friends" on this site, when Jimmy was more like family.....Rest in Peace fishin buddy.
Brian Boechler
July 1, 2025
Jimmy was so much fun. In our childhood, Jimmy was the mastermind behind hundreds of astounding recreational activities. Jumping off stacks of hay bales at Zaback farm was practically an Olympic sport one summer. Riding bikes through enormous storm drains illuminated by candles that went missing from our homes. We also honed our throwing arms by chucking stones at sleeping snapping turtles down by the Mouse River. Jimmy taught us how to outsmart and lure unsuspecting squirrels into paper shopping bags by using a trail of potato chips. We had to let the squirrels go as we knew our parents would not let us keep them. I won't forget about all the spectacular displays with sparklers and firecrackers. We blew up broken plastic toys, and with Jimmy's scientific knowledge, we used firecrackers to launch tin cans high into the air. I have already passed this skill down to numerous nephews. We never ran out of interesting and fun things to do with Jimmy around. It makes me smile to think of him.
Adam Bogue
June 29, 2025
Jim was and amazing friend and someone I looked up to. I have so many memories of him and his positive amazing personality. He was a great man. Fun, loving, with that Jim smile that is so much him.
He is someone I will always remember and always look up to.
All my love to the Werner Family.
Karin (Werner) Richardson
June 29, 2025
It is very difficult finding words to convey the deep grief I feel at the sudden, tragic loss of my brother Jim.
He was #5 of the eight of us. He is the first to depart.
The depth of sadness is profound and my heart aches for Patsy, AbbyJane (Ron), Nathan (Paige), and his precious grandchildren Mazey, Max, Clara, Keegan, and Wyatt.
Jim was always our "nature boy". How strange yet sadly fitting that his last hours were outdoors, in nature, on his treasured property, with his beloved Patsy nearby.
Jim took pleasure in providing the abundance of his fishing, hunting, and gardening skills and he always shared in the bounty at family gatherings. He never showed up empty handed, bringing coolers of fresh, natural, delicious food.
Jim's passing has left an un-fillable hole in the heart of our family. In joy, however, he will always be young, handsome, loving, strong and vibrant in our memories.
"The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness."
.....John Muir
Sue Heath Sundahl
June 29, 2025
Dear Patsy and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Condolences to you all.
Sue Heath Sundahl
Debra Werner
June 27, 2025
Loving brother and uncle to my children
Joel Schoenberg
June 27, 2025
It is so sad to hear of this, I have such great memories of Jim. I always looked forward to spending time with him and everyone in Grapeview and was bummed when I had to leave. I wanted to stay, eat, drink and talk with Jim, Patsy, Nathan, Abby Jane and their kids. I especially remember his stories of hiking into the Olympic Peninsula, and I often dreamt of doing that with him. He is greatly missed and I feel for you all.
Sean Lundblad
June 26, 2025
I am so sad to hear of Jimmy's passing. I got to know Jimmy through our work on the Washington State Ambient Air Monitoring Network, Jimmy with Olympic Region Clean Air Agency, me with Ecology's Air Quality Program. Jimmy was one of the first air monitoring operators I met when I was new to Ecology and began doing quality assurance audits of local air agency air monitoring sites. Jimmy was a warm and friendly guy and he made me feel welcome right away. He always had a funny story to share and I always enjoyed working with him. I'm sharing a picture of Jimmy that was taken at the Statewide 2005 Air Monitoring Operator Training held at Ecology's Lacey office.
My heart goes out to Jimmy's family, coworkers, and friends during this difficult time.
Rest in peace Jimmy.
Sean Lundblad
Odelle Hadley
June 26, 2025
Jimmy was my first and last mentor in air quality monitoring. 25 years ago he took me on as his intern and set me on a career path of atmospheric science and monitoring. Thirteen years ago, I heard he was retiring and looking for a replacement. I got the job, but could never replace him. I got to spend two months with Jimmy, while he taught me the ins and outs of ORCAA's air monitoring network. We spent hours at the monitoring sites and even more hours on the road. A few things I learned from Jimmy that I'd like to pass on:
1) When in Port Angeles always stop at Swain's for a 25 cent bag of popcorn
2) Keep track of where you see the elk herds
3) Do NOT speed through Quilcene... even a little
4) When you want to press the calibrate button, wait another 2 minutes
It's still Jimmy's voice I hear in my head when I'm troubleshooting air monitoring equipment. His last day on the job he apologized to me, because there was more he needed to teach me and we had run out of time. There was never going to be enough time for Jimmy to share all his knowledge with us. He will be missed.
Karen Howe
June 26, 2025
I was sad to read of Jim's passing, Patsy. I am thinking of you knowing how much you and your family will miss him.
Robert Moody
June 25, 2025
Jimmy you were a great mentor. I enjoyed the many projects we worked on. I loved the shared stories of your outdoor adventures. You always showed compassion and humility. I will cherish your memory.
Debbie Moody
June 25, 2025
Finding it hard to find the right words, because truly there is nothing to say to make things right. Jimmy was an amazing co-worker for many, many years. But more than that he was a dear friend. We shared many stories and kid pictures over the years and as we became grandparents we shared more pictures and more stories.
Jimmy's love for his family was unmeasurable. His love for life and all that brought with it was incredible.
Jimmy loved all the children, I will forever cherish the few pictures I have of him holding and loving on my kids.
I will certainly miss the days of him stopping by the office to visit and share his and Patsy's latest adventures.
Patsy, there are no words to express how truly sorry I am for the loss of your amazing husband. Abby and Nathan, losing your dad is so hard and it's not fair. I do know you will have plenty of stories to share with your children, keeping his memories alive. He so loved his beautiful grandchildren and was always eager to share photos and stories. He was very proud of his family and it showed.
Love to you all.
Debbie Moody
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